A Reader’s POV & Must-Reads: 4 new book boyfriends to snuggle up to

A Reader’s POV & Must-Reads: 4 new book boyfriends to snuggle up to

Like many readers, I have a list of book boyfriends. These are the heroes who have stolen a little bit of my heart and linger in my memory long after I am finished reading. I can’t always identify exactly what makes these men so compelling and swoon-worthy, because I suppose there is no defining attraction in reality or in fantasy. Therefore, I will just say that these heroes have something truly special about them.

I’m excited to introduce you to my newest book boyfriends in these four must-read romances.

It might seem odd that I have a hero with the nickname “The Beast” on my book-boyfriend list, but Jackson Boudreaux in Burn for You is much more than the cantankerous, self-important millionaire he appears to be. He’s complex, sensitive and drop-dead sexy, and he is absolutely fascinating when he falls for sassy chef Bianca Hardwick.

Bianca owns one of the hottest new restaurants in New Orleans, but she is under financial strain to assist with her mother’s medical bills. Therefore, she really can’t say no to Jackson’s last-minute demand offer to cater his upcoming charity event, although she finds him to be arrogant and maddening. The sparks fly between this beauty and beast as they challenge each other and wrestle for control, but things get really interesting when Jackson proposes a marriage of convenience with Bianca in order to secure his significant inheritance. Bianca agrees and thus begins Jackson’s unraveling in which his many layers are pulled back to reveal the man underneath all the gruff. The push-and-pull between these two is electrifying, and Burn for You is an entertaining, captivating and fun romance with an unforgettable beast of a hero.

Sloane Howell writes uber-sexy romances with strong heroines, smoking-hot love scenes, laugh-out-loud banter and swoony heroes, and he’s hit it out of the park with Scored. Matt Stallworth is an All-Star professional baseball player, who is smitten when he meets Kelsey Martin. She is beautiful, interesting and laid-back with a rocker-chic vibe, and she knows absolutely nothing about baseball. She’s the opposite of most of the women Matt has been with, which makes Kelsey leery of his intentions. She assumes they have little in common and wonders why he would be interested in her, notwithstanding the obvious sexual chemistry swirling between them.

Matt pursues Kelsey, and he’s adorable, sexy and utterly endearing. He woos her with his charm and authenticity and seduces her with his wicked mouth. Their relationship develops at the perfect pace as both grapple with the increasing sexual tension mixed with their rapidly escalating feelings, and they are fun to watch as they fall head over heels in love. Scored is brimming with whip-smart humor, fiery interludes and sigh-worthy moments, and it’s a home run of a romance.

Prepare to fall in love with Dignity’s Snowden Stark, because this sexy, complicated, handsome, glasses-wearing genius will steal your heart. Stark cut off his emotions years ago after personal tragedy rocked his world, and he relies exclusively on rational thinking and his exceptional mind to make carefully calculated decisions, maintain control and avoid getting hurt. He’s brilliant and quietly works in the background as a technical vigilante for his powerful crime boss in the corrupt town of Point. He finds motivation to feel again and step out of the shadows when he meets Noe Lee.

Noe is a resilient, homeless, protector of innocents who challenges Stark in every way, including intellectually. When she finds herself in a life-threatening situation that she cannot handle, she asks for his help. She isn’t looking to be saved but rather wants a partner, but Stark is baffled by his overwhelming feelings for her and wants to shield and protect her. Noe demands equality in their developing relationship, and they form a solid partnership, making them unstoppable.

Jay Crownover’s vivid writing brings this intense, action-packed and suspenseful story to life and transports the reader into the very heart of this gritty and unique love story. Noe and Stark are two of these most compelling and interesting leads that I’ve read this year, and Dignity is an experience that should not be missed.

Get out your fans, because Sweet Time is scorching hot. Mia Donovan has never had a problem attracting men, but she doesn’t seem to affect Gavin Knight, no matter how hard she’s tried over the past year to gain his attention. They know each other through mutual friends, but Gavin keeps to himself and is dedicated to running his security company. He’s a veteran, older, stoic and apparently immune to Mia’s charms, and she’s on the verge of giving up on him when he suddenly reveals he’s noticed absolutely everything about her.

Gavin and Mia are explosive when they come together, and their chemistry is off the charts. They are fascinated with each other, but Gavin worries he’s too dark and has seen too much for the effervescent and carefree Mia. He’s the ultimate, broody alpha-hero, and readers’ hearts will melt when they witness this strong, stoic bodyguard find himself mesmerized by love. Gavin is especially endearing when he opens his heart and allows Mia to prove to him why they are absolutely perfect for each other. Sweet Time is heartfelt, sexy and lighthearted fun, and Gavin Knight will likely be on many book-boyfriend lists in 2017.

Mary Dubé can be found reading when she’s not teaching spinning, crunching numbers, volunteering or hovering over her teenager. She is always looking to add to her keeper shelf. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.